Deaths and injuries that result from impaired driving are entirely preventable.
As leaders in public safety, we're committed to reshaping the culture around this issue through impactful education and outreach. We aim to stop these senseless crashes by raising awareness among Rhode Islanders about the alarming statistics, the safer alternatives to impaired driving, and the life-altering consequences that can result from getting behind the wheel while impaired.
Impaired Driving by the Numbers
Nationally, about 30 percent of traffic fatalities are attributed to alcohol-impaired driving. Unfortunately, Rhode Island's numbers are far worse. In 2022 alone, there were 22 fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving, accounting for 43.7 percent of all traffic deaths in our state. This alarming figure places Rhode Island among the states with the highest rates of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the country.
Rhode Island law enforcement officers arrest close to 3,000 drivers annually for driving under the influence. In 2022, nearly 70 percent of those arrested chose not to submit to chemical tests. Those who did submit had an average blood alcohol concentration of around 0.17—more than double the legal limit.
It All Adds Up
Whether consuming alcohol, cannabis, or a combination of both, the result is always impairment. Many people mistakenly believe that having just one drink paired with a cannabis edible won't affect their ability to drive. However, the reality is that these substances can interact in ways that significantly amplify their impairing effects. Even small amounts can alter perception, reaction time, and decision-making, making it dangerous to get behind the wheel. It's crucial to understand that any level of mixing substances can lead to a dangerous situation, not just for the driver but for everyone on the road.
The table below illustrates the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels corresponding to an individual's weight and the number of drinks consumed per hour. For instance, a person weighing 180 pounds who consumes three alcoholic beverages within one hour will register a BAC of .08, reaching the legal threshold for intoxication. Subsequently, the BAC decreases by .015 after each passing hour. It's important to acknowledge that various factors can influence BAC levels, including food consumption, intervals between drinks, fatigue, prescription medications, and more.
Tips for Finding a Sober Ride
If there's even a chance you might have a drink or consume cannabis, plan ahead and avoid driving. Rhode Island residents have several options to ensure a safe journey home:
Designate a sober driver: Remember, a designated driver is someone who is completely sober, not just the least intoxicated person in the group.
Use a ride-share service: Call an Uber or Lyft, or schedule one in advance to pick you up. The cost of a ride is always cheaper than the consequences of a DUI.
Stay where you are: Only time can sober you up. If you're in a safe place, consider spending the night instead of risking the drive.
Consequences of Impaired Driving
The first offense for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs carries several penalties:
Possible jail sentence of up to one year at the ACI.
Mandatory license suspension from three to eighteen months.
Mandatory community service from 10 to 60 hours.
Fines of not less than $100, nor more than $500.
Fees can easily reach a few thousand dollars.
Rhode Island law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine to determine the chemical content of your body fluids or breath.
If you refuse this testing, certain penalties can be imposed, including the following:
For a first offense, your Rhode Island driver’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state can be suspended for six months to one year or modified to permit operation in connection with an ignition interlock device for a period specified by law; a fine from $200 to $500 can be imposed; and you can be ordered to perform 10 to 60 hours of community service and attend a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance and/or alcohol or drug treatment.
If you have had one or more previous offenses within the past five years, your refusal to submit to a chemical test of breath or urine at this time can have criminal penalties, including incarceration of up to six months for a second offense and up to one year for a third or subsequent offense, and can carry increased license suspension or ignition interlock period, fines, and community service.